Meet Briana Read: Turning Care Into Community
When Briana Read and her husband walked through the doors of Summit Waterford six years ago, they weren’t looking for a ministry to lead. They were simply looking for a church home. What they found was something much more—a community that would shape their lives in unexpected ways.
At the time, Summit was just launching care communities, teams of volunteers who wrap around foster and adoptive families with prayer, meals, and child mentorship. It was a natural fit for the Reads, who were eager to serve. They started as family helpers, delivering meals and offering support wherever they could.
But Briana didn’t just dip her toes into the work—she dove deep.
A Calling That Grew Over Time
By early 2020, Briana took the role of (volunteer) lead advocate for FAM at Waterford, helping to launch and coordinate care communities at the height of the pandemic—a challenge she describes as “an experience like no other.” After nearly two years in that role, she shifted back into a team leader position, continuing to walk alongside families in need of support.
Then, in September of 2024, John Parker approached her with an unexpected opportunity: a staff role as FAM Coordinator.
“I wasn’t looking for a job,” Briana admits. “But it felt like God was opening a door.”
With curiosity and prayer, she leaned in. And the more she did, the more she realized—this was the next right step.
The Heart Behind the Work
As FAM Coordinator, Briana is leading the very ministry that first drew her and her husband into Summit. She oversees the creation and ongoing support of care communities, coordinates Summit’s partnership with C127, and facilitates ways for people to engage with foster care—through Rooted Serve Week projects, CarePortal, or caseworker care events.
But at the core of it all, it’s about relationships.
“I love that Summit is so deeply committed to serving children in vulnerable spaces,” Briana says. “This work matters. And I’m incredibly humbled to be part of it.”
A Few Fun Facts About Briana
She’s a self-taught woodworker who loves home improvement and design projects (her favorite power tools? A miter saw, circular saw, and nail gun).
She started a design and installation business a few years ago to share her love of building and creating.
She believes curiosity is key—her best piece of advice? Never be afraid to ask questions when you don’t know the answer.
Looking Ahead
As she steps into this new role, Briana is eager to build on the foundation that has already been laid—supporting volunteers, growing Summit’s impact, and continuing to create spaces where families feel seen, supported, and surrounded by care.
And to think—it all started with a simple yes.
If you see Briana around Summit, be sure to say hi. Chances are, she’ll be the one making sure no foster or adoptive family at Summit walks alone.